‘ Queen Osaka a role model’

Tokyo, Sept 24: Japanese tennis sensation Naomi Osaka not only hit the cash jackpot with her historic US Open victory — she struck a blow for racial equality, according to a former Miss Japan.

Following her 6- 2 6- 4 thrashing of childhood idol Serena Williams in New York earlier this month, Osaka is set to become a global marketing force as sponsors prepare to break the bank to sign the 20- yearold. But Priyanka Yoshikawa, who two years ago was crowned Miss Japan, believes Osaka can also help break down cultural barriers in a country where multi- racial children make up just two percent of those born annually.

“Naomi is definitely a role model,” the half- Indian beauty queen said. Former Miss Japan

“Japan should be proud of her — she can definitely break down walls, she will have a big impact.”

Osaka, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States, is set to shine a light on what it means to be Japanese, predicts Yoshikawa. “The way she speaks, and her humbleness, are so Japanese,” said the 24year- old.

AUSSIES IN CONTROL

In Wuhan, China, Australia’s top two brushed aside their first- round opponents at the Wuhan Open on Monday, with straight- sets victories in the $ 2.7- million tournament for both Ashleigh Barty and Daria Gavrilova. Barty, the Australian No. 1, downed Britain’s Johanna Konta 7- 5, 6- 4 to progress, and could face Wimbledon champ Angelique Kerber in the third round. But it was Gavrilova, who caused the biggest upset of the Wuhan Open so far, dumping out 10th- seed and last year’s French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko 6- 2, 6- 4.

Japan should be proud of her — she can definitely break down walls, she will have a big impact. — PRIYANKA YOSHIKAWA,

SIMON WINS 14TH TITLE French veteran Gilles Simon overcame won his14th career singles title with a 7- 6 ( 7/ 2), 6- 1 win over German qualifier Matthias Bachinger in Metz.